Senior Repatriation Assistant - UNHCR TA - G5 - HRT058 - Tyr, Lebanon

In Lebanon there are around 950,000 Syrians refugees registered with UNHCR. Since registration by UNHCR was suspended by the Government of Lebanon in 2015, it is estimated that as many as 1.5 million Syrians may be in the country and in need of assistance and protection support under the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan (LCRP).

At the same time, the number of spontaneous returns to Syria have slowly increased over the course of the last three years. In 2016, UNHCR is aware of 4,908 individual spontaneous returns from Lebanon to Syria; in 2017, this number rose to 11,053; and in 2018, UNHCR is aware of around 16,700 returns to Syria, of whom 5,595 returned individually, and 11,133 in group movements, primarily organized by the Lebanese General Security Directorate. These figures encompass returns identified and confirmed by UNHCR, based on government sources and direct contacts between refugees and UNHCR. The actual number of refugee returns may be significantly higher.

Since 2017, UNHCR operations in host countries neighbouring Syria, including Lebanon, have been conducting Return Perception and Intention Surveys (RPIS) as well as Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with Syrian refugees on their future return intentions, in order to understand the factors that will make refugees feel confident to return, and inform UNHCR’s consequent efforts to help create the necessary conditions for safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable returns. The surveys and consultations UNHCR has undertaken with refugees in Lebanon show that almost 90% of the Syrian refugees ultimately want to repatriate to Syria, but that the majority still see important obstacles to safe, dignified and sustainable returns.

While UNHCR Lebanon is contributing to efforts towards removing these obstacles, and securing the guarantees that will allow for large-scale voluntary returns facilitated by UNHCR, it is helping refugees opting to spontaneously return now to prepare themselves for re-establishment in Syria.

The Senior Repatriation Assistant is a member of Field Office Tyre Protection Unit, and assist the Field Office with the implementation of UNHCR activities relating to voluntary repatriation, in particular in the context of current spontaneous returns.

The Senior Repatriation Assistant reports to the Associate Protection Officer and receives functional guidance from Country Office Senior Repatriation Coordinator. The Senior Repatriation Assistant works closely with Protection, Community-Based Protection, Education, Health, Programme and Field staff, and ensures operational standards in repatriation in the area of responsibility. 

Accountability (key results that will be achieved)

• Field Office Tyre voluntary repatriation activities are consistent with international standards, and notably support voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable returns.
• Repatriation-related activities are conducted with the full participation and support of persons and communities of concern and relevant stakeholders.
• Age, Gender and Diversity as well as participatory approaches to repatriation are implemented.

Responsibility (process and functions undertaken to achieve results)

• Stay abreast of local political, economic, social and legal developments impacting on voluntary repatriation prospects and advise the Head of Field Office and the Associate Protection Officer.
• Contribute to a participatory process to design and implement return-related activities.
• Mainstream AGD in all voluntary repatriation activities.  
• Compile, collate and process data on returns.
• Support the analysis of processed data and information and perform data quality control.
• Draft return reports and other reports on returns as requested by the supervisor.
• Organize and support consultations and Focus Group Discussions with refugees.
• Contact and visit refugees prior and after the return when instructed by the Associate Protection Officer.
• Participate in the GSO-organized returns as part of the MFT.
• Participate in the relevant coordination processes.
• Perform other duties as required.

Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results)

•  Fulfil responsibilities associated with the implementation of UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation preparedness and response activities, in line with UNHCR policies, standards and procedures.
• Monitor compliance with rules and regulations related to repatriation.
• Report to the Head of Office and the Associate Protection Officer any protection and compelling incidents identified at any stage of the repatriation process, and ensure voluntary, safe and dignified return movements.